A rewarding adventure I will remember for a lifetime Past Review
By A student (Advertising., Pennsylvania State University - University Park) - abroad from 05/14/2014 to 05/23/2014 with
The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad
Where do I even start? The Green Program was the most incredible experience I have ever had. Not only did I learn about the beautiful country of Iceland, sustainability and renewable resources, but I also learned so much about myself. It was great to meet and connect with so many people that were just as passionate about the environment as I was. We were pushed out of our comfort zone for the entire trip - from extreme hiking, to trying new food, to touring a huge geothermal plant, it was all a great adventure. I gained a new appreciation for my environment, 40 new friends, and knowledge that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. This trip was absolutely worthwhile, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We took mainly introductory courses, and I learned an incredible amount about renewable resources from the teachers at Reykjavik University. It wasn't too intense or challenging, and the lessons we studied were directly applicable to everything we did on the trip. There was a lot of 'outside of the classroom' and hands-on learning. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was very well-organized and planned. Our local tour guides were amazing - they were extremely knowledgable on everything to do with Iceland, and always up for an adventure. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements were great! We went camping for 2 nights which was amazing, and were living in guesthouses the rest of the time. Be prepared to become close to your fellow travelers, since you'll have to room with at least one other person the whole time. Everything was very clean. |
| * Food: |
Absolutely delicious food, just be prepared to eat a lot of carbs. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated with the local culture. Practically everything we did incorporated Icelandic culture. We visited a local pub in Reykjavik, took our classes at the local university with Icelandic teachers, and interacted with some amazing people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any health issues while in Iceland, but healthcare seemed to be readily accessible if needed. There were no prevalent health issues in Iceland, and I did not need any specific vaccines that I had not already gotten. |
| * Safety: |
Iceland is extremely safe - it has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. I felt very safe and comfortable the entire time I was there. The only danger was getting a sprained ankle while hiking - get some sturdy hiking shoes and you'll be fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
I was very easily able to live on a students budget. Almost all meals are included on the program. The only thing I really needed to bring money for was extra snacks and souvenirs. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $200 for the entire trip. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't spend your money on ridiculously expressive gift shops. Wait until you get a day in Reykjavik to buy souvenirs. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Never be intimidated by anything! |
